Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Basics of Babywearing Plus a HUGE Baby Carrier Giveaway!

Find The Right Baby Carrier For You And Your Baby

For as long as history tells us, parents from all different parts of the world have worn their babies. Babywearing not only makes life a little easier by making it possible to be handsfree while still keeping baby close, but it is also shown to be good for baby. Babies feel safe and secure when they are worn close to a parent or familiar caretaker. They also tend to be less fussy when worn, which can be a big relief for parents with babies struggling with colic or reflux!

There are many types of carriers and finding the right one for you might involve a bit of trial and error. Here are some basics about the different types of carriers. And don't miss out on the chance to win one of five carriers we are giving away this week!

Types of Baby Carriers

Wrap Style Carrier

Stretchy wraps are generally one long piece of material, about 10 feet long, actually! They can be wrapped several different ways and distribute the weight evenly across the shoulders and back. Because they are a bit stretchy, they are not recommended for carrying your child on your back. There are a few well known brands such as Moby Wrap and Boba Wraps. Moby's are made from a jersey knit material and have a subtle stretch on the bias. Boba wraps are similar, but use a different material which offers significant stretch and support. Wraps usually work for babies from about seven to eight pounds to around 35 pounds. Quite a lot of mothers I know use them mostly for the newborn stage, but they most certainly will work for bigger babies also.

Woven Wrap

A woven wrap is similar to a stretchy wrap in that it also uses both shoulders and back to distribute weight evenly. Woven material has much less stretch than knitted material which means it can support more weight. Woven wraps can be worn in front, on the hip and back. They work great for newborns all the way up to large toddlers! Some popular brands of woven wraps are Didymos and Wrapsody.

Ring Sling

A ring sling is a long piece of fabric that is fastened with two large rings. It is quite simple to use as there is no wrapping involved. It distributes the weight across one shoulder and your back. Ring slings can be used with newborns all the way up to 35 pounds. A few brands of ring slings include Comfy Joey and Sakura Bloom.

Mei Tai

A Mei Tai is a rectangular piece of fabric with straps connected on each corner. The ability to tie the straps in any way you like makes it very versatile and makes it easier to find the right fit, carry, and comfort level just for you. The Mei Tai can be worn on your front or back and can carry newborn babies up to 35 pounds. A few brands of Mei Tai include BabyHawk and Mei Tai Baby.

Soft Structured Carrier
A soft structured carrier is similar to a Mei Tai in that it has the rectangular piece of fabric and straps, but instead of tying it on it uses buckles. Soft structured carriers can be used from about seven to eight pounds to 45 pounds for some. The Onya Baby soft structured carrier has been safety tested up to 75 pounds! Some soft structured carries do require an infant insert for newborns and some are built into the carrier. Most soft structured carriers are easy to strap on and adjust for a great fit. They can be worn with baby on your front or your back. Some popular soft structured carrier brands include Onya Baby, Ergo Baby, and Boba. Moby recently released a soft structured carrier, too, called the Moby Go (pictured above)!

Which carrier is right for you?

There are a lot of different factors that come with deciding which carrier is right for you. Some things to consider include:

the age of your child

the size of your child

your height and weight

who else will be using the carrier

where and how you will be using it

Some people prefer different types of carriers for different situations. Hopefully these next few tips can help you find the right one for you!

Size of Baby
Will you be using it for a newborn, or a toddler? Or is it something you want to be able to use from the time your baby is a newborn until they are a toddler? Stretchy Wraps and ring slings tend to work great for the newborn stage, but not everyone loves them for bigger babies and toddlers. Soft Structured Carriers and Mei Tai’s tend to be loved by parents of bigger babies and toddlers, but not always so much during the newborn stage. A lot of parents like woven wraps for both the newborn stage, and bigger babies and toddlers because they can wrap the baby whichever way is most comfortable for them.

Size of Adult
Baby carriers can be a lot like jeans; not all brands work for all body types. A lot of mothers I’ve spoken with like their soft structured carriers no matter what body type they are. Tall and short alike both said the soft structured carrier worked well for them. It also was easy for their husbands to use because of how easily adjustable it is. Even really tall men can adjust it to fit them comfortably. However, some men with extra broad shoulders might find a soft structured carrier a little snug and might do better with a wrap style carrier. The only complaint I got from some mothers is that when doing a back carry, the front chest buckle is not always the most flattering, especially for those who are bigger in the chest area. The one soft structured carrier that mothers said wasn’t bad about creating the non-flattering chest was the Onya Baby carrier!

A lot of parents, both moms and dads, like wraps as well because they are completely customizable to any body type. As long as you have the right length, you can wrap yourself and your baby around you no matter how big or small you are. These work great for both moms and dads, tall and short, thin or curvy.

The Mei Tai is similar because you can wrap the straps around you how you prefer and so that they fit comfortably around your body type.

Ring slings are usually sized, so make sure you choose the right one, and keep in mind that it might be hard to share babywearing duty unless both parents are roughly the same size.

Where you will be Babywearing
Think about where you will be babywearing most. Will you be using the baby carrier at home so you can get things done or tend to another child with your baby close to you? Will you be using it for trips to the grocery store or shopping at the mall? Or will you be using it for long adventures like hiking or camping?

Some carriers work great for both around the house and out and about, while others are better for long periods of babywearing like hiking or walking.
I always preferred my ring sling for both around the house and out grocery shopping or at the mall because it is so easy to get baby in and out. I wore my baby in the ring sling everywhere until he was about five months old. There is no wrapping or buckling involved. So I would just put it on me and get him in and tighten. It took about 30 seconds (after some practice)!

Wraps and Mei Tai’s work great both at home and on the go. The only issue with them is they may take a little bit longer to get on and get baby secured inside. So if you have a fussy baby on your hands or you were standing in a parking lot ready to go in the store, it may take a few minutes to get all wrapped and secured. A lot of moms have learned that it's easier to put their wrap on at home rather than in a dirty parking lot where the long material may touch the ground for a moment as you get it on! However, wraps do work great for longer periods of time because the weight is distributed evenly on both your shoulders and your back.

Soft Structured Carriers also work great both at home and out and about. They are traditionally a bit bulkier than wraps or a ring sling so I will admit mine usually stays in the car! However, Boba has just come out with their new BobaAir which weighs less than a pound and can be stuffed into its own pocket! When it's zipped up in its pouch, it's small enough to fit in any diaper bag or even purse. Perfect for traveling or errands-- we can't wait to give one away! A lot of soft structured carriers have padded shoulder straps so they work great for long periods of time. Most will even work great for trips like hiking or long periods of walking.

The Onya Baby Outback carrier is made specifically for outdoor babywearing. It is made with an air mesh lining which wicks away moisture and will keep both mom and baby cooler. Another perk of the Onya Baby carrier is it can turn into a secure chair for baby! So if you are out hiking and come in for a cool drink you can secure baby into a regular seat! Soft structured carriers work great for cleaning around the house and for long trips outdoors or shopping.

So now you have some basics to babywearing to help you choose the right baby carrier for you and your baby. I do highly recommend you visit a local shop (not all Kanga Care retailers will have carriers!) or join a local babywearing group to try some different carriers on and see which ones you like the best. Whichever type of carrier you choose, know that you are doing a great thing for both you and your baby! Babywearing is great for parents and baby alike!

To help us get the word out about babywearing, three super cool brands: Boba, Moby & Onya Baby, want to give you a carrier!

229 comments:

I've used a Wrapsody Bali Stretch and a Beco Gemini for my munchkin. Now that's she's a toddler, they aren't as comfortable, so I sold them. I really need to have another carrier. The BobaAir, MobyGo or Onya would probably work best for us.

I have an ergo that I like. I also have a ring sling, but I could never figure it out fast enough and my son would just scream. It was too stressful in those first few weeks, and I never got back to trying it out again.

I've tried a Moby Wrap, the Moby GO, and an Ergo. I love the softness and closeness that a wrap provides. The soft structured carriers are fantastic for longer periods of time though. I think they're all great in their own ways and wish every mom could afford to have a variety of options.

With my first son, I only used the Ergo and a fleece pocket sling that is no longer being made (AWESOME for hip carrying!) But with DS#2, due March 1, I'll be doing a TON of baby wearing since I'll have a 25 month-old running around. I have 2 ring slings and 1 Girasol wrap on the way! Can't wait to add more carrier fluff to the stash!

I've tried the Moby and love it. Even currently have my own. I use it often. I would love to try a soft structured carrier like the Ergo or even a ring sling. Something I can carry my bigger kids as well as my little guy when needed.

I have a sleepy wrap (very similar to the moby) that I love using for the first few months, especially for nursing while doing other stuff around the house! I also have a mei tai that I really enjoy using for walks in the summer. I would love to get any of these carriers!

We are pregnant with #2 due in April. We didn't use a carrier with my son and I wish we would have. I hope to be able to try one of them, the Ergo and the Boba have gotten great reviews with all of my friends.

My first wrap was a stretchy wrap and we loved it until my son was around 15lbs. We lost the support we needed. My husband bought me a woven wrap as a baby gift, and I have worn it nearly every day. I would LOVE to have a ring sling or SSC. I feel like my wrap is going to be worn out very soon, hehe! :-)

We have an Ergo, and I really like it. I don't like that you need a separate insert for an infant. Too much stuff to carry around. This time I would like to try wrap like the Moby or Boba--I LOVE that print of the Boba!

I love wearing my little ones, helps me feel like I am still being productive while cuddling my baby. I have never seen the Onya style carrier that can be used to secure the baby to a chair while out...this could be so helpful for those quick trips with older siblings!

I have a Moby but have been wishing for a soft structured carrier that I can use on my back. My baby is 7 months old and getting a bit to big to wear on my front around the house....kinda hard to work around her! I think that the Onya Baby or the Boba Air would work well for me!

I have been using the moby wrap with my 7.5 week old and it has been a love hate relationship. It is too much fabric to figure out and it is a nightmare to figure out which wrap/tie method my wee one prefers. I still use the stroller when going to the store because I dread having to tie my moby in the parking lot and getting it all dirty! i want something much faster to put on! I have an ergo and I think it is time to find the infant insert and give that one a go. I very much want an Onya though!

We have used a Moby and a Boba Air. I much prefer the wrap style, but Charlie is getting big and wants to look around more, so I want something made to go on the back. Our Boba Air isn't that comfortable for me and hurts my back where it rubs on me, so I want something with more padding.

With my first baby, I tried the Moby wrap but never could get it as nice and neat and secure-feeling as I see other mommies with it! (also wishing i'd bought almost any other color besides khaki!)

I loved the ring sling once baby could hold his own head up (all those stories about babies sufficating came out right when he was born a few years ago!) until he got too heavy for one shoulder (for me that was about a year - he's a big guy!)

My most favorite after that was the Ergo, which I can still use to this day with my 2.5 yr old, 32+lb toddler, even 8 months pregnant!! It is clunkier to store when not being worn, so it does mostly stay in our car - but I am not wearing the toddler around the house! Only on hikes or in crowds. It is certainly the most 'manly' of our three carriers, and preferred by my husband.

I can't wait to see which I'll reach for with baby number two arriving in a few weeks! And I am still very curious about woven wraps!!

I used a Moby with my son when he was a newborn and an Ergo as he got older. I have a ring sling, but never really loved it. I would love to try a Mei Tai. The Onya SSC would be on my wish list as well!

I have a Moby Wrap (which I LOVE for nursing and for newborns!) and I have an Ergo (I haven't yet used it with a newborn....but it's great for toddlers!)I think that every stage/age,every baby and every parent can benefit from different carriers...there are SO many that I would just LOVE to try still!

We have a classic Moby, a Boba and a couple slings, the Moby and slings were wonderful at first but my daughter is a super chunk so they don't feel very secure anymore. We use our Boba daily and love it! I would be thrilled to have an OnyaLacey jLaceymarie89@live.com

I have a Beco Butterfly 2 which I love, and a linen ring sling i made which i use most often. I made a stretchy jersey wrap and baby k'tan style wrap but the jersey i used was too thin and not usable after around 7 months. I would love a Moby Go!

i have the original moby and an ergo. i loved loved loved my moby but little guy is a little big now. i like my ergo a lot but my favorite was the moby. i'm dying to try the boba air and would love a ring sling!

I've never used one of your carriers, but I would love to try something really soft and comfy for me (and baby) I have a harder type carrier I received as a gift, it's nice, but I'm very small and it seems like I can't wear my babies too long. Something I could use to nurse the baby with would be great too!

I have a ring sling that my mom made for me and I made a mei Tai but I would love to try any one of these carriers. My 5 month old needs that closeness to me on a regular basis so I need something comfortable that's pretty easy on and off. Thinking maybe the boba air

I've tried the moby wrap with my nephew (6 months old) and that was supper comfortable, and he was quite happy. But it was tricky to wrap myself, and too complicated to convince my husband to wear. And really hot for summer hikes.

I would love to have a soft structured carrier that my husband and I could both use to carry our little one around, especially for long walks and hiking trips. I think the Onya Outback would work great for us:- Breathable for hot weather- Can be worn on front or on back- The straps go in an X or an H, - It has a cool, outdoorsy look, that a man would be ok wearing. - It also turns into a chair harness.

I made my own wrap carrier out of some slightly stretchy fabric I had. It worked great for quite a while, but now that my baby is 14 months old, it doesn't work as well. I have back and neck problems so I'm looking for a carrier that distributes the weight well, along with being comfy for baby. I plan on having more so I need a versatile one. I think a boba air or onya would be best for me.

I've tried the Moby wrap. It worked fairly well for the newborn stage. Right now, I use my ring sling or Beco Gemini. My SIL has a Boba that she likes...they wished that they had it when their first was a newborn! I'd like to try a woven wrap sometime or maybe a mei tai. Out of these, maybe the Boba Air. It would be nice to have an SSC that was a little more compact for travel.

I've used a padded ring style, as well as a Moby. Still looking for something a little easier on my back, I have scoliosis, and so far all carriers hurt. :-( But I'm determined to keep trying! I LOVE wearing my babies!

I've been dying to try an Onya!!! We had a Hug-a-Bub (similar to Moby) but just doesn't suit my wiggly, large son all that well (he's four months and 17 lbs). Thanks for the chance!!!! My toes and fingers are crossed, as we've been looking for a better solution. megancrose@gmail.com

We have a k'tan, ring sling, ergo, and mei tei. My daughter seems to be very picky and only likes our ring sling now. I really want to try a boba out and see if that is more comfortable than the ergo (which we didn't like).

I have a soft carrier that I used with my first two kiddos, 9 and 7 years ago, for my third kiddo I hand made a moby (wrap) style carrier, but she didn't like it. I am hoping with #4 to be able to use something, I still have the wrap style and a new sling style carrier, but I think my soft carrier from 9 years is shot.

We LOVED our Moby..but have HUGE babies and had to switch over to a carrier by 5 months. I'm not ashamed to say I cant afford an Ergo so I bought a knockoff. The Onya looks like it would be the perfect carrier!

I generally use a RS or a woven wrap to carry baby, but I would love a soft structured carrier for my husband to use. Wraps confuse him lol. I also love how the onya carrier can double as a high chair.

I'm lucky enough to have won a few different soft structured carriers. I think I will really like them when my baby gets older for going out and about. I would love to try a stretchy wrap with my first baby coming in just a couple months!Alessandra Peterson

I've used the Moby/Boba wrap, a ring sling, and a soft structured carrier. And I love them all for different reasons!! I loved the wraps when my son was a newborn. I love the ring sling for quick trips into stores and running errands because it's easy to get him in and out. And I love our structured carrier for longer trips to the store, walks, etc.

I've tried the Boba Wrap (but I have the little bit older version, the "Sleepy Wrap") and I've tried the Ergobaby carrier. I liked the wrap carrier for my newborn but now that my baby is 6 1/2 months I think he prefers not being wrapped so tightly. We went shopping a few weeks ago and he was in the Ergobaby carrier for several hours without fussing. He seemed very content! I feel like he's still a little small for the Ergo, though. Like his face barely reaches above the top of the carrier. I'd love to try a Mei Tai or a woven wrap! And the Boba Air would be awesome to keep in my diaper bag or stroller basket! I also have a little sister expecting her first baby so it would be awesome to be able to gift some of these carriers to her! Thanks!